Episode 89 - Understanding picky eating: A psychological perspective

Picky eating can be frustrating (and exhausting) for parents – but there's often so much more beneath the surface than simply a child being "fussy." 

In this episode, I explore some of the psychological factors that can contribute to and maintain selective eating in children. 

I chat about: 

• Why it’s not just psychological – how behavioral, physiological, and environmental factors also play a role
• How a child’s sense of calm and safety at mealtimes can directly affect their willingness to eat
• The impact of a parent’s stress and nervous system on a child’s appetite and digestion
• Why it’s so important to prioritize your connection with your child over the food on their plate
• The importance of understanding your role as the provider of food and knowing what your child’s role is too 
• Why pressure, rewards, and labels (like “picky eater”) can actually make things harder
• How your own eating behaviors and attitudes around food shape your child’s approach to eating

If you’ve ever wondered why your child is so selective or how to shift the dynamic at mealtimes without pressure or power struggles, this episode is for you.

Episode Links:

• Come say hello to me over on Instagram 
• Read my Picky Eating Guide